Justice of the Peace (JP) — document certification and certified copy guide
A guide to correctly using an Australian JP's (volunteer public official's) free copy certification and statutory declaration witnessing services.
What is a JP?
A Justice of the Peace (JP) is a volunteer public official appointed by a state or territory government whose role is to certify documents for the community free of charge. Their main duties are producing a certified true copy checked against the original, acting as a witness for statutory declarations and affidavits, and confirming signatures. When submitting official documents for banks, government agencies, immigration, school applications, and so on, a "copy certified by a JP" is often required. Because a JP is a volunteer, they never charge a fee under any circumstances.
The difference between a JP and a notary public
A JP is a volunteer who provides free certification and witnessing services used within Australia. A notary public, on the other hand, is usually also a lawyer and handles, for a fee, the notarisation of documents to be used overseas. For documents to be submitted overseas or where an apostille is required, you may need a notary public or a DFAT process rather than a JP, so check the format required by the receiving authority first.
How is certification carried out?
The most common use is a certified true copy checked against the original. If you bring an original such as a passport, visa, transcript, or employment certificate together with its photocopy, the JP compares the two documents page by page and then adds to each page a statement to the effect that "this copy is a true copy of the original", along with a signature, stamp, name, registration number, and date. For a statutory declaration or affidavit, the JP verifies your identity and then the declarant signs there and then.
Identity verification (100 points ID)
A JP may ask you to verify your identity before certifying. As with the 100 points ID method used for opening a bank account, having photo IDs such as a passport, driver's licence, or Medicare card ready makes verification easier. The required combination of IDs can differ by receiving authority, so check the guidance in advance.
- The original to be certified and the photocopy (for a certified copy)
- A declaration or affidavit filled in in advance but with the signature section left blank
- A valid photo ID
A JP may refuse to certify a document that is incomplete or has blank spaces, or one that is only in a language they cannot understand. Complete the document in advance and, if needed, also prepare a certified translation (such as a NAATI-certified one).
What to prepare
If you are well prepared before your visit, certification can be done in a few minutes. What you need to bring depends on whether it is a certified copy or a witnessed declaration, so confirm the format required by the receiving authority first and then gather the items below.
- The original document and the copy to be certified (all pages)
- Photo ID such as a passport or driver's licence
- The unsigned declaration or affidavit form and a pen
Prepare the copy in full, both sides and every page, with nothing missing. If only some pages are certified, the receiving authority may reject it. If you leave the original behind, certifying the copy is impossible in the first place.
Four types of JP service
There are broadly four services a JP handles frequently. Identifying the type you need in advance makes the required items and the process clear.
The JP compares the original with the copy and confirms and signs that it is a "true copy of the original". Used for documents such as passports, visas, degrees, and transcripts where submitting the original is difficult.
A document declaring in writing that certain facts are true. It must be signed in front of the JP and is widely used for various applications and confirmations.
A sworn statement submitted to a court or similar body. The JP administers the oath or affirmation and signs as a witness. The powers may differ by state.
A witnessing role confirming that a signature on a contract, consent form, and the like is your own. A 100 points ID check may also be required.
Checklist before you go
Checking the following five points before your visit lets you finish certification in one go, without a return trip.
- You have confirmed the certification format the receiving authority requires (certified copy, declaration, etc.).
- You have prepared the original and a copy of every page.
- You have filled in the content of the declaration or affidavit and left the signature section blank.
- You have brought a valid photo ID.
- You have confirmed the location, operating hours, and whether a booking is required for the JP you will visit.
Common mistakes and things to watch for
The mistakes below easily lead to a return trip or a rejected document. Check them in advance to save time.
- Not bringing the original — if you only bring the copy, a comparison certification is impossible.
- Signing in advance — if you sign a declaration or affidavit at home, you may have to redo it.
- Blank or incomplete documents — a JP may refuse to certify a document that is not complete.
- Agreeing to pay a fee — JP services are free. A request for payment may be a scam, so check with Scamwatch.
- Confusing documents for overseas use — for overseas submission, JP certification alone may not be enough, so check the notary public and DFAT processes.
Useful official links
- NSW 정부 — Justices of the Peace(opens in a new window)
New South Wales government — JP search and guidance on appointment and role (find a nearby JP by postcode).
- Queensland 정부 — JP and C.dec(opens in a new window)
Queensland government — guidance on the JP and Commissioner for Declarations (C.dec) systems and their scope of duties.
- Victoria 법무부 — Honorary Justices(opens in a new window)
Victoria Department of Justice — Honorary Justice (JP and others) services and how to find one.
- Attorney-General's Department — Statutory declarations(opens in a new window)
Australian federal Attorney-General's Department — guidance on preparing and witnessing a statutory declaration.
- Scamwatch (ACCC)(opens in a new window)
Scamwatch (ACCC) — report and check scams that charge a fee for a service that should be free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the JP service paid?▾
No. In Australia a JP is an unpaid public official appointed on a volunteer basis, and they cannot charge a fee for services such as certifying copies or witnessing declarations. If someone asks you to pay, it may not be a legitimate JP service, so be careful.
Where can I find a JP?▾
You can search by postcode in your state or territory's official JP register, and many public libraries, courts, community centres, shopping centres, and some councils have JPs on duty free of charge. Check the operating hours and whether a booking is required before you visit.
What do I need to get a certified copy?▾
You must bring both the original to be certified and its photocopy. The JP compares the two documents and then adds a statement, signature, and stamp to each page confirming it is a "true copy of the original". Without the original, a certified true copy is not possible.
Can I sign a statutory declaration in advance?▾
No. A statutory declaration or affidavit is only valid if you sign it in front of the witness (JP). A document signed in advance may have to be redone, so bring it with the signature section left blank.
Does the JP system differ by state?▾
Yes, the appointment process and titles differ slightly by state and territory. For example, Queensland has Commissioners for Declarations (C.dec) in addition to JPs, and Victoria uses the term Honorary Justice. Check your state's official site for the specific powers.
Can a JP also certify immigration and visa documents?▾
Generally, a JP can certify copies for use within Australia. However, check the document requirements for your specific situation with a MARA (OMARA) registered migration agent or a lawyer, and note that documents to be used overseas may need a separate apostille or authentication, so follow the guidance of the relevant authority.
Is JP certification enough for documents used overseas?▾
For use within Australia, a JP certified copy is often sufficient, but for submission overseas you may need a DFAT apostille or authentication, or a notary public instead. Check first what format the receiving authority requires.